Obituaries

Viola Jean (Gennette) Derosa, of Bridgeport, WV departed this life on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the home of her daughter surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 24, 1924 in Grafton, WV, a daughter of the late Antonio and Giovanna Bianchi Gennette. She was blessed to have just celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dominick Derosa; siblings, Lawrence Gennette, Joseph Gennette, Anthony Gennette, Laura Gennette, and Mary Malone; and son-in-law, David Oliveto. Viola was also predeceased by her beloved in-laws of the Gennette and Derosa families.

Viola is survived by her daughter Joann Gilbert and her husband Brad with whom she made her home, son Louis Derosa and his wife Vickie; grandchildren Michael Derosa (Jaimie), Marcus Derosa, and Dominique Oliveto; Lauren Gilbert Smith (Jason), Derek Gilbert, Kari Lowther, and Chris Lowther. Great grandchildren Katie Derosa, Dominick Derosa, Jada Smith, Judah Smith, Jireh Smith, Braedyn Lowther, Aleigha Dunham, Hunter Lowther, Dylan Lowther.

She is a graduate of St. Augustine High School and a 1944 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing. While in nursing school, she was a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps.

Viola led a rich life dedicated to service and kindness. She was employed as a registered nurse at the Louis A. Johnson Veteran’s Administration Medical Center for 36 years. During her years with the hospital, she served as head nurse on the Surgical Ward. Viola received many awards and accolades for her dedication and compassion in the care of her patients. She was honored to receive the Administrator’s first national “Hands and Heart” Award. Additionally, she was the recipient of American Legion Meritorious Service Award for dedicated service to veterans, the AMVETS Distinguished Service Award, and the 5 C’s (Commitment, Communication, Compassion, Cooperation, Creativity) for Clarksburg Award for providing excellent nursing care to her patients.

Her service and commitment to others continued into retirement. Viola was a member of the St. Mary’s Hospital Alumni, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and served on the United Hospital Center Board of Directors, the United Hospital Center Credentials Committee, and the United Hospital Center Institutional Review Board.

She also volunteered at the Harrison County Senior Center during tax preparation season to help area seniors complete their tax forms.

Viola was a lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport. Having instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of God, faith, and family.

Viola was blessed to have led a remarkable life that was great in years and great in blessings. Her greatest and most treasured of those are her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Spending time with family, cooking meals for them, attending their sporting events, going to WVU football games with her grandkids, and cheering them on during all their activities brought her much joy throughout the years.

Viola was always grateful and lived her life with love and gratitude. Fittingly, her last words spoken were “thank you”!

Family and friends may call at the All Saints Catholic Church, 317 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Walt Jagela as celebrant. Interment will follow in the WV National Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.